WALTER “Wally” THEILGAARD IV

Walter “Wally” Theilgaard IV, age 74, of Elburn, passed away, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family, Sunday morning, December 5, 2021.

He was born August 19, 1947, in Chicago, IL, to proud parents, Walter C. III and Vera (Schellin) Theilgaard.

Wally grew up in Chicago, the eldest of four siblings, and with the nickname “Rusty”. When he was 12, his father passed away and Wall, older brother to the twin boys, became the “man of the house” who took on odd jobs to help his sorrowing family. He attended local schools and dreamed of becoming an architect. In high school, he won awards for his architectural drawings. After graduating high school, Wally was drafted into the United States Army and served his country from October 1967 through May of 1969, stationed in the DMZ in Korea. Upon his honorable discharge, Wally returned to civilian life.

He was blessed with three children after his first marriage, but grief came to call when she passed away. Later, Wally was lucky in love once again when he met Caryl Parr Aaroen in 1987 at Suncast Corp, where they both worked. The walked down the aisle on January 12, 2001. They began their new life and blended family together in Elburn where Caryl had made a home.

Wally spent most of his life in the manufacturing industry, holding jobs at several companies in and around the Chicagoland area, including Suncast to which he would commute daily for years from his home in Blue Island to work in Batavia. In 2000, Wally established his own home repair and remodeling company, WCT. Although he “retired” in 2016, he didn’t lay down his tools until 2020 when his health began to decline.

He was a proud member of the American Legion, Elburn, Post 630, and fully supported the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans, and other military organizations. He was a member of the RNC, NRA, and wore his Veterans ball cap everywhere.

Wally had a heart for woodworking and carpentry. His home soon became the showcase of his talents, from creating the mantle, surround, and hearth in their family room, to remodeling both bathrooms, basement stairway, and many other endeavors. Besides remodeling basements, constructing gazebos and privacy fences, contracting home repairs for clients, his hobby work included designing and building a number of cat trees, bird houses, curio ladders, wishing wells, changing tables, a children’s play desk (including secret compartments!) mostly for family and friends. With his analytic yet artistic mind, if he could dream it, he could build it. He was a handyman extraordinaire for his friends, neighbors, and until his decline in health, the first one they called in his homeowner’s association for advice and assistance for those little odd jobs.  Wally’s hands weren’t built only for woodworking; he had an artists touch, painting and sketching buildings, homes, landscapes and enjoyed watching Bob Ross create beauty from a blank canvas. Wally never travelled much, but a trip to St. Lucia, to Disney World, and several to Arvada, Colorado, topped the list of travel memories. Yet, home was where his heart was, and it was there that he loved to be, especially when surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his loving wife Caryl; three children by his previous wife: Wally (Rose) Theilgaard, Kimberly Theilgaard and Brian Theilgaard; four step-daughters: Lisa Pyle, Kimberly Sue Rohlfing, Michelle (Lane) Garrelts and Becky Hane; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers: Brent (Linda) Theilgaard and Bruce Theilgaard; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a family of friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Vera Theilgaard and one sister, Diana (Henry) Hoppe.

Visitation to celebrate his memory will be from 3-5 p.m., Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. Private family burial will follow cremation at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Memories may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation to celebrate his memory will be from 3-5 p.m., Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. Private family burial will follow cremation at a later date.